Sound very interesting. A set of bumper scripts that sort it all out for the administrator? Setup directories etc? The csv management sounds a great help.

Yes, I am planning to allow complete control via csv if required. Literally, drop a csv file into the appropriate share and any new users will be set up (along with all folders and links). Make an adjustment to a password and it will be reflected on the server within a few minutes. I realise this has certain security implications, but the option to use a database (Postgres/Mysql or anything else that Perl can chat with) will be offered and you will always be able to do things manually if you want to.

Am I right in thinking that once access to a .man profile is set to 'Everyone', I can then copy it to all profile directories (copying it using the linux server command prompt) as I would with a 98 profile?

That should work fine. However, the solution I use is to have a share called [profiles] with symbolic links for every user to the correct profile. In my case, I only use a staff or student profile, but you could create as many as you like. smb.conf then contains a line like \\%L\profiles\%U (a folder named [username] in the profiles share on the logon server). This approach has the advantage that changing a start menu entry (or whatever) in the profile itself automatically reflects across all users hooked up to that profile.

So, Nial... it *can* be done, and I *can* recommend Samba as a PDC for XP to our senior management team. I'm very pleased with it as a PDC for Win98 and very familiar with profiles and policies for that, just wasn't sure I could say "Yes" to XP.

My policy is always to get things working on the bench before I recommend them [g], but yes, it does work and I've been really impressed with the reliability that the XP/samba combo delivers. In fact, you are welcome to come down and see it in action if you want to (pending approval from TPTB, although I don't anticipate any problems), All the best, Nial.